Between Realism and Idealism: The Contemporary Dilemma in Peace Debates

Abstract

This essay puts in perspective the traditional idea of Idealism as associated with Erasmus and Kant. Given the worsening of the relationship between USA, NATO, and West Europe, on one side, and Russia, China and North Corea, on the other side, one can think about a Second Cold War. Here, the author advocates a position which can be situated between Realism and Idealism. In this sense, the idea of "Utopian Realism", suggested by John Rawls is taken as a possible way out between those opposite standings. To achieve this, the author analyses three scenarios: the withdrawal of US from Afghanistan (2021), the invasion of Ukraine by Russia (February 2022), and the Crimean War (1853-1856).